PhD Positions in AI and Intelligent Systems at IMPRS-IS, Stuttgart and Tübingen (2027 Intake)
Job Description
The International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS) is inviting applications for funded PhD positions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and related fields, starting from February 2027 in Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany.
At a glance
- Programme: doctoral programme of about three years, taught in English
- Where: Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany
- Who: master’s graduates (degree conferred or expected soon) in engineering, computer science, cognitive science, mathematics, control theory, neuroscience, materials science, physics or related fields
- Start: February 2027 or later
- Apply: 15 November 2026 (end of day, anywhere on Earth)
What the IMPRS-IS programme offers
- Research areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, soft robotics and materials, micro- and nano-robotics, haptics and human-computer interaction
- Further areas such as biomedical technology, computational cognitive science, computer graphics, control systems, data science and visualisation, neuroscience and perceptual inference
- About three years of independent research guided by one or more IMPRS-IS faculty members, ending in a doctoral dissertation
- Regular meetings with a thesis advisory committee of three or more IMPRS-IS faculty
- An annual training programme across intelligent systems, plus seminars, workshops, retreats and career-development courses
- Support from a dedicated coordination office throughout your doctorate
IMPRS-IS aims to recruit at least 70% of its scholars from outside Germany and explicitly encourages women to apply. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews in Stuttgart and Tübingen, and the school pays interview travel costs, so candidates should apply whatever their financial situation.
What IMPRS-IS is looking for
- A strong academic record and a master’s degree, conferred or expected soon, in a relevant field
- Existing PhD students may apply only within the first year of their doctorate
- A list of the IMPRS-IS faculty you would like to work with, and a current CV
- Reference letters, which your referees must submit before the deadline
- Evidence of English proficiency, such as TOEFL scores or study or work in English, if you are not a native speaker
Pay and location
Selected doctoral researchers are funded through an employment contract under the rules of the Max Planck Society and the two participating universities; the page does not state an amount. Research takes place in Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany.
How to apply
Apply through the official IMPRS-IS page. The closing date is 15 November 2026 (end of day, anywhere on Earth). Submit your application through the IMPRS-IS 2027 application portal. Applications received by the deadline are considered for the 2027 hiring round.
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Hiring institution: International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS-IS)
Official advertisement: imprs.is.mpg.de
How to prepare for this application
- Choose supervisors carefully: read the faculty list and name the few whose recent papers genuinely match your interests; associated faculty need a full faculty co-supervisor.
- Be specific: in your statement, describe one or two concrete research questions rather than listing broad topics.
- References early: ask referees now; their letters must arrive before 15 November 2026.
- English evidence: gather TOEFL scores or proof of English-medium study before the portal deadline.
- Interviews: prepare a short, clear talk on your master's research; interviews are held in Stuttgart and Tübingen.
About IMPRS-IS
The International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems was founded in autumn 2017. It brings together the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems with the University of Stuttgart and the University of Tübingen, runs its programme entirely in English, and has guaranteed funding through at least 2030.
